Mocs Fall in a Hard Fought Battle Against #10/21 Eckerd

LAKELAND, Fla. - Florida Southern College women's basketball fought till the final buzzer against #10/21 Eckerd but fell 72-60 to its Sunshine State Conference rival. The Mocs' five-game win streak came to an end to move Florida Southern to 5-2 on the season and 1-1 in SSC play.
 
"I'm so proud of my team and the effort they put out here tonight," said Interim Head Coach Megan Dzikas '12 after the game. "They fought to the end. I can't be mad at them, they played with effort, hard work, and energy tonight."
 
The Mocs made the Tritons fight for it throughout the first half as Domenica Zamora began to heat up late in the first quarter with seven points in the last four minutes of the period including the final three to take a one-point lead at the end of the frame, to make it 18-17. The Mocs came firing out of the gate in the second quarter with a 9-2 run, but over the course of the period, the Tritons were able to reel the Mocs back within reach, although the Mocs only relinquished the lead once in the quarter. The Mocs retained a slight one-point edge going into the locker room, 32-31.
 
In the third, it was a back-and-forth game between the Mocs and Tritons, but a Zamora three with just a few minutes remaining put the Mocs back on top. Then, with just a few seconds left, Sydney Gomes secured a huge defensive rebound that led to a buzzer-beating three for Maria Llorente to bring the Mocs within two points going into the final frame, 51-49.
 
Despite the Mocs' relentless defensive pressure, the Tritons managed to gain momentum in the final quarter and pulled away for the win. Ashley Shell made her presence known in the final quarter with six points but it wasn't enough to overtake the massive quarter by the Tritons.
 
In a game defined by strong defensive showings from both sides that saw both teams combine for 46 defensive rebounds, 29 turnovers, 14 steals, and six blocks, the Mocs still managed some impressive offensive performances. The reigning SSC Defensive Player of the Week, Zamora, showed she can play both ends at an elite level as she notched 16 points and five assists. She was joined in double-digit scoring by both Shell and Gomes with 14 and 13, respectively. Shell added six boards and Gomes added a team-high seven boards.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Mocs will hit the road to take on Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla on Saturday. The tip-off is set for 2:00 PM.
 
  Read Full Article